Written by Joe Norman, Founder, Sunderland Landlord Compliance
Last reviewed:
Overview
What this topic is
- Private landlords in England must ensure the fixed electrical installations in their rental properties are inspected and tested by a qualified electrical contractor.
- An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be obtained at least every five years, or sooner if the report recommends it.
- A satisfactory EICR must be provided to existing tenants within 28 days, to new tenants before they move in and to the local authority on request.
Why it matters
Why it matters to landlords, letting agents and homeowners
- Failing to comply can attract financial penalties of up to £30,000 per breach.
- Electrical hazards are a recognised HHSRS hazard category.
- Reports with C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) codes require remedial work within 28 days of the date of the inspection and test, not 28 days from receiving the report, with written evidence of completion.
Property safety
How it connects to property safety and compliance
- Periodic inspections identify deterioration in the fixed wiring before it becomes dangerous.
- EICRs assess the condition of the fixed electrical installation and support the wider evidence position.
- Good record keeping supports the wider HHSRS evidence position.
How SLC helps
How Sunderland Landlord Compliance can help
- Coordinate EICR bookings with qualified electrical contractors.
- Track the renewal date and store the report against the property.
Next steps
Relevant SLC services and pages
References
Official sources
General awareness only
This page is published for general awareness and education. It is not legal advice and does not replace formal advice from a solicitor, surveyor or your local authority. Sunderland Landlord Compliance is a compliance coordination service and does not act as a legal adviser, local authority, enforcement body, surveyor, solicitor or housing inspector. SLC does not guarantee compliance.
Keep reading
Other topics in the Knowledge Centre
Next step
Need help coordinating your landlord compliance?
Submit a quote request and SLC will review it manually, confirm price and availability and coordinate the visit through an appropriately qualified third party.